US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the United States does not seek a war with Iran, amid rapidly growing tensions between the two countries.
Speaking in Russia, Mr Pompeo said the US was looking for Iran to behave like a “normal country” but would respond if its interests were attacked.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also said there will be no war with the US.
Last week, the US deployed warships and warplanes to the Gulf.
Tensions escalated even further after an incident with four tankers off the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, with US investigators believing Iran or groups it supports were involved.
No evidence of Iran’s role has emerged and Tehran, which denies any involvement, has called for an investigation.
